By Erin Levi
Roslyn Heights has always carried a special place in Long Island’s Jewish story. Back in the 1940s, developer William Levitt purchased land here to create homes for Jewish families at a time when antisemitic housing restrictions kept many out of surrounding neighborhoods. The area quickly became known as the “Country Club of Roslyn Heights,” anchored by a 10-acre clubhouse that still stands today. Every home in the neighborhood carries an easement right to this property, a legacy that continues to set the community apart.
In June 2002, the first Bukharian Jewish family made their home in the Country Club section. Over the years, more families followed, drawn not only by the neighborhood but also by the dream of building a vibrant community. By 2021, the growing Bukharian presence began to feel the absence of a spiritual and cultural center—a place where prayer, tradition, and togetherness could flourish under one roof. Today, there are approximately 50-60 Bukharian Jewish families here.
That dream began to take shape with the establishment of the Bukharian Jewish Congregation of Roslyn Heights. At first, services were held in the private homes of generous members who opened their doors. But the vision of a true communal home never faded. With the leadership and dedication of Ari and Shimon Alayev, Avi Davidov, and their families, the congregation purchased a property on Schoolhouse Lane. After months of renovations, that dream came to life on August 31, 2025, with the of the welcoming of its spiritual leader, Rabbi Yosef Layliev.
The celebration drew more than 200 people, filling the new home with energy, song, and hope. Keynote speakers—including Ruben Davidoff, Shimon Alayev, and newly appointed president Ari Alayev—spoke passionately about the journey that led to this moment. Esteemed Rabbi’s Nasirov, Shimonov, Vaknin, Nissanov and others offered blessings, while Rabbi Layliev, his wife, and their young family were embraced by the community with warmth and excitement.
Rabbi Layliev hails from Queens and spent four years studying in Israel. Speaking to the crowd, he expressed both gratitude and optimism for the journey ahead.
“I want to express my gratitude to all the members for the hard work, dedication, and resources invested into this important project and dream,” he said. “We are eagerly counting down the days until the grand opening of our beautifully built synagogue, and I truly look forward to meeting each and every one of you.”
He acknowledged that growth brings challenges, but emphasized his confidence in the community’s strength: “Although the journey ahead may present challenges, I am confident that with Hashem’s help and the strength of our community, we will flourish and build an enduring empire of Torah and spirituality.”
The community’s president drew on historical perspective to address the work still ahead. “Although we know challenges may lie ahead in growing our community, we are reminded that the Beit HaMikdash was not built in a single day,” said Alayev. “As Jews, we have endured far greater trials and proven our strength along the toughest roads. With that same spirit, we remain steadfast in our commitment to nurture and preserve our cherished Bukharian traditions, passing them proudly to future generations—right here in the heart of Roslyn Heights.”
Avi Davidov spoke to the vision of community growth: “With Hashem’s blessing, we aspire to continue strengthening and expanding our community, living in harmony and unity with our fellow Bukharian Jews in the neighborhood.”
The day’s highlight came with the affixing of the mezuzah, followed by prayers and blessings that carried both gratitude for the past and promise for the future.
“Coming from a strong community in Jamaica Estates, I now believe there is tremendous opportunity for the fast-growing Bukharian community of Roslyn Heights, and I’m excited to see it,” said Shimon Alayev.
“Having lived in Roslyn for more than 20 years, I feel blessed to witness the growth of our Bukharian Jewish community and the incredible transformation unfolding before our eyes,” said longtime resident and community board member Ruben Davidoff.
For many like Davidoff, it was more than a ceremony—it was a statement of continuity, faith, and the enduring strength of the Bukharian Jewish spirit in Roslyn Heights.
“Our goal as a community is to grow together with sympathy and harmony as one and build the biggest Bukharian Jewish community in Roslyn with love and open hearts,” said Rabbi Layliev..
Photo: Kaykov Media